DA 35 2.4 vs. Takumars or M-series lenses

Apologies if there's already an existing thread on this (but couldn't find one here nor with google). Anyway, I'm in the market for a DA 35 2.4 (or something between 28mm to 50mm AF, similar price-wise, which I doubt there is). I'm considering the 35 2.4 due to the AF, its price, and apparently good IQ. I should point out that I currently have the SMC Tak 28 3.5, SMC Tak 50 1.4 and 55 1.8, M 50 1.7, A 50 1.7, Helios 44-2 and 44M-4, and shoot with those a LOT. I just love the unique qualities and character I get from images taken with the old glass. Biggest downside, of course, is the MF. While I am improving a lot more on my focusing skills, there are just certain scenarios where it makes more sense to have a really good AF lens: eg. My son's 3rd birthday party last December, where I boldly went with the Tak 50 1.4 and switched it up with A 50 1.7. All shot in low light. Needless to say, there were quite a few non-keepers . Oh, and I also have the DAL 18-55 and 55-300, and I actually get some decent results from my 55-300.

Now that said, is it really all that worthwhile to get the DA 35 2.4, when you're used to the Taks, M's and A's? I'm sure quite a few of you have used all of the above. How does the 35 2.4 match up against those from your personal experiences? So far the sample images I've seen with it aren't quite on par with the vintage glass (I just searched on flickr, no direct comparisons). I'm trying to justify the extra cost and what I'm getting in return, which is really mostly the convenience of AF while taking pics of my 3-year old son (and he is a fast one ). I'm sure most won't think twice about getting the DA 35 2.4 at its current price, but as the lone income-earner of a 2 1/2 person household, this is quite a big decision for me .

Interestingly, the DA 35/2.4 is the highest rated Pentax lens on dxomark.

I don't think you can expect Takumars to give you better IQ - only better build. And maybe some different "character", but in terms of overall optical performance, the DA 35/2.4 should be a better lens overall.

Oh wow, yeah thanks for the tip...that might explain why the DA 35 2.4 is sold out in a lot of places. Guess I'm gonna have to research into this even further...Score one (or more?!) for the DA 35 2.4 then.

Haha yeah so I caved in and got it . Needless to say, the wifey was not very impressed haha! I suppose I can always do my own comparisons between it and my favorite MF lenses. I just hope I don't find out in a couple months that they dropped the price a whole bunch. Nonetheless, seems like I still got a decent enough deal for it, even with cross-border shipping...now for the agonizing 2-week wait.....